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Florida Atlantic University Athletics
FAU Spring Game Takes Off at Track Complex
4/21/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 21, 2007
BOCA RATON, FL - Seven years of springs games have now come and gone for Florida Atlantic University's football team. But the first keep coming with the Owls playing at the new Track and Field Complex, which features an artificial playing surface, for the first time in the program's history.
The defense forced the offense into disjointed plays and three interceptions in the first half, all three by linebackers.
"In the disjointed game there were a few good plays on the offense and there were a lot of good plays on the defense," said Howard Schnellenberger, FAU's head coach. "Our defensive line has come a long way. The linebackers play was better than the first two games and the receivers and backs made some big plays."
Rusty Smith started under center for the Owls with the ball spotted on the 20. He used nine plays into the drive and to the defensive 29 before Frantz Joseph grabbed the first of four defensive interceptions on the day.
Sean Clayton took over the next series with the ball spotted on the 32. His first play was a hand off for a loss of two and his next was intercepted by George Allen for a quick 6-2 score for the defense.
Smith returned only to see his seven play drive end with an interception by Cergile Sincere for a 9-2 defensive score.
The offense would settle and begin to move the ball more authoritatively with Smith connecting with Chris Bonner for the first touchdown of the day. The offense attempted an extra point pass play that fell short. The defense led the first half 14-10.
While all four quarterbacks were under center during the first half, it was Clayton that would start the second half. His first pass was intercepted by Gedel Merzius who nearly ran back for the score but, settled for three defensive points.
The offense would next score under the direction of redshirt freshman Eli Cranor who handed off to Willie Floyd for an 80 yard run. Floyd's run pulled the offense within three at 19-16.
Each of the quarterbacks then rotated into the game and was able to chip away and stay close to the defense. Late in the second half, Smith connected with William Rose for a 24-yard score which gave the offense its first lead. The duo would strike once more with a 55-yard score and the game's final.
The Owls will head into the final two weeks of the semester with the opportunity to concentrate on classes, film study, workouts and rehabilitation.
The team will reunite in early August for pre-season and will open the 2007 season at home September 1 versus Middle Tennessee. For ticket information call 1-866-FAU-OWLs or visit www.fausports.com
Florida Atlantic University Spring Game
Offense 35, Defense 23
Passing
Rusty Smith: 28-19-2 3 TD, 242 yards
Sean Clayton: 8-4-2, 73 yards
Eli Cranor: 5-3-0, 24 yards
Jeff VanCamp: 2-1-0, 3 yards
Totals: 44-27-4 2 TD for 342 yards
Receiving
William Rose: 4-96 yards and 2 TD
Frantz Simeon: 6-87 yards
Phillip McDonald: 2-62 yards
Willie Floyd: 2-27 yards
Cortez Gent: 3-14 yards
Chris Bonner: 3-33 yards 1 TD
Jason Harmon: 2-8 yards
Kyle Watkins: 1-6 yards
Jamari Grant: 1-5 yards
Wilfred Rivera: 1-4 yards
Ed Wertepny: 1-0 yards
Total: 26-342 yards
Rushing
Willie Floyd: 15-93 yards 1 TD
B.J. Manley: 8-22 yards
DiIvory Edgecomb: 6-55
William Rose: 3-17
Kyle Watkins: 2-10
Rusty Smith: 1-8
Sean Clayton: 7- -11
Jeff VanCamp: 3- -3
Total: 45-191
Touchdowns:
Rusty Smith to Chris Bonner 25 yards (Xtra points no good) Willie Floyd 80-yard run (Eli Cranor to Rod Huggins, two points) Rusty Smith to Willie Rose for 24-yard score (Xtra points no good) Rusty Smith to Willie Rose for 55-yard score (Rusty Smith to Jason Harmon, two points)
Under the scoring system: The offense was awarded points in the traditional fashion as well as one point for recording a first down when the ball was spotted on or behind the 20 until they reached the 40. The defense was awarded a point for stopping after three and could receive three points for a turnover. They could also earn seven for a stop inside their 20.
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